PROJECT TITLE: PROPOSED INTERPRETATION CENTRE, PARKING AND STAFF QUARTERS FOR
KLOOFENDAL NATURE RESERVE IN ROODEPOORT, WITHIN THE CITY OF JOHANNESBURG METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY, GAUTENG PROVINCE, SOUTH
AFRICA.
PROJECT REFERENCE:
DATE OF ISSUE: 04 FEBRUARY 2020
SPECIALIST REPORT:
Heritage Impact Assessment for the Proposed Interpretation Centre, Parking and Staff Quarters for Kloofendale Nature Reserve, Roodepoort, City Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng Province, South Africa.
The HIA was developed by NGT Infraco on behalf of Ikamva for Joburg City parks – Kloofendal Nature Reserve
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT
CLIENT: Ikamva Environmental Consultancy (Pty) Ltd
CONTACT PERSON & ROLE IN THE FIRM Mr. Unathi Ndamase – Project Manager
ROLE IN THE FIRM Environmental Consultant
TELEPHONE NUMBER 012 663 5310
E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]
CONSULTANT: NGT INFRACO (PTY) LTD
AUTHOR & ROLE IN THE FIRM Mr Nkosinathi Tomose – Principal Heritage Consultant
INTERNAL REVIEW AND QUALITY CONTROL &
ROLE IN THE FIRM
Executive Director & Principal Consultant – NGT Infraco
Shareholder and Director NGT Holdings (Pty) Ltd
CELLPHONE NUMBER 011 888 0209
E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] /[email protected]
CONTACT PERSON: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT
HAND SIGN:
CONTACT PERSON: GROUP CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
HAND SIGN:
The HIA was developed by NGT Infraco on behalf of Ikamva for Joburg City parks – Kloofendal Nature Reserve
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COPYRIGHT
Copyright for this Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) report (including all the associated data, project
results and recommendations) whether manually or electronically produced totally vest with NGT
Infraco (Pty) Ltd (NGT Infraco), a subsidiary of NGT Holdings (Pty) Ltd (hereafter referred to as NGT i.e.
Nurture, Grow, Treasure). This copyright extends to all documents forming part of the current
submission and any other subsequent reports or project documents such as their inclusion in the
engineering and architectural document for the proposed interpretation centre, parking area and staff
quarters for the Kloofendal Nature Reserve. The project is situated in the north western suburbs of
Johannesburg (Constatiakloof and Kloofendal) within the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan
Municipality (CoJMM), Gauteng Province, South Africa. Therefore, it is the author’s views that no parts
of this report may be reproduced or transmitted in any form whatsoever for any person or entity
without prior written consent and signature of the author or any other representative of NGT Infraco.
This limitation is with exception to Ikamva Consulting (Pty) Ltd (hereafter referred to as Ikamva) and
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (hereafter referred as Joburg City Parks) whose rights as the primary
owners of the report (intellectual property) will only take effect with full settlement of the fees
proposed by NGT Infraco for the completion of the work.
The limitation for the transmission of the report, both manually and electronically without changing
or altering the reports results and recommendations, shall also be lifted for the purposes of
submission, circulation and adjudication purposes by the relevant authorities. These authorities
include the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority Gauteng (PHRA-G) and the South African Heritage
Resources Agency (SAHRA).
NGT Infraco takes full responsibility for specialists working on the project for all heritage related
matters based on the information provided by the clients. NGT Infraco will not be held responsible for
any changes in the design or change of the planned rehabilitation programme by either the Principal
Agent (Ikamva) or the project proponent (Joburg City Parks). Furthermore, any changes to the scope
of works that may require significant amendments to the current heritage document will result to
revision of the fee agreed upon between NGT Infraco and Ikamva.
The HIA was developed by NGT Infraco on behalf of Ikamva for Joburg City parks – Kloofendal Nature Reserve
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DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
Nkosinathi Tomose for NGT Infraco has compiled this report. The views expressed in this report are
entirely those of the author and no other interest was displayed during the decision-making process
for the project.
CONSULTANT: NGT Infraco
SPECIALIST NAME Mr Nkosinathi Tomose
QUALIFICATIONS MA Archaeology, University College London
BSc (Honours) Physical Anthropology, University of Pretoria
BA (Honours) Archaeology, University of Pretoria
BA General, University of Pretoria
ASSOCIATION/PROFESSIONAL BODY Association of South African Professional Archaeologists (ASAPA):
Professional Membership and CRM (Colonial period archaeology,
Iron Age archaeology, Rock art, Stone Age archaeology, Grave
relocation, Human Skeletal Remains)
International Association for Impact Assessment South Africa:
Member
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY 13 Years
SIGNATURE
CLIENT APPROVAL/SIGN OFF:
CLIENT:
NAME
DESIGNATION
SIGNATURE
The HIA was developed by NGT Infraco on behalf of Ikamva for Joburg City parks – Kloofendal Nature Reserve
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
NGT Infraco was appointed by Ikamva to conduct a HIA for the proposed construction of an
interpretation centre, parking loots and staff quarters at Kloofendal Nature Reserve in Constatiakloof
within the CoJMM, Gauteng Province, South Africa. This report forms part of environmental impact
assessment (EIA) process for the proposed development. The study is conducted independently in
terms of Section 38 (1) and Section 34 of the National Heritage Resources Act (NHRA), No. 25 of 1999.
The standard NGT Infraco HIA study entails: conducting a detailed background information search of
the receiving environment. The search assesses among other forms of data, previous studies
conducted in and around the proposed development study area and the broader receiving
environment. It also includes conducting an onsite investigation (survey) to identify and map heritage
resources and sites. This step is followed by an assessment of impacts of the proposed development
on the identified heritage resources and sites. A heritage Public Participation (PP) process is
conducted as part of the HIA study to allow Interested and Affected Parties to give inputs on the
heritage study and on conservation of heritage resources. Then conclusions are made about the
nature of impacts of the project on the heritage resources or site or the heritage fabric of a place or
landscape. Recommendations are made on how to best use heritage as the base for the development
or incorporate heritage resources and sites as integral component of the project for their sustainable
conservation. In cases where it is inevitable to not impact on heritage resources or site or the cultural
landscape, heritage memorialisation strategies are devised to memorialise the heritage fabric of the
place or the landscape through modern and contemporary means. Due to the fact that heritage also
has an intangible aspect to it, which often ignored, even in projects that neither negatively impact on
heritage resources or site – memorialisation is encouraged to developers to evoke the cultural
significance or a place or landscape (its cultural heritage fabric). Furthermore, recommendations are
made on how the positive project benefits can be enhanced, to ensure a long-term strategy for the
conservation and promotion of heritage resources, if any are found particularly in urban gentrification
programmes with heritage forming part of urbanism strategy.
The survey of the project area was conducted on:
January 2020 by Nkosinathi Tomose (ED and Principal Consultant)
The survey was conducted on foot. A vehicle was also used to access the site. The survey yielded a
number of cultural heritage resources. These included: a historic stone enclosure on the south hilltop
with lots of material culture found in and around it, the historic Kloofendal monuments by the
Confidence Reef Mine shaft, the Struben Stamp Mill and engine. No burial grounds and graves were
identified during the survey. The monument is dated 1983, the Stamp Mill and the engine date to the
18800s and the historic stone enclosure on the southern hilltop is relatively dated to the 1930s based
on the associated material culture. These heritage resources were documented, photographed and
mapped. Based on the results of the literature review, field survey, project impact assessment on the
heritage fabric, the sensitivity of the heritage sensitivity, the following conclusions and
recommendations are made about the proposed programme:
The HIA was developed by NGT Infraco on behalf of Ikamva for Joburg City parks – Kloofendal Nature Reserve
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Conclusions:
It is concluded that Kloofendal Nature Reserve is an important cultural and natural heritage
site if one assesses the site and its associated resources in totality in terms of Section 3(3) of
the NHRA, No. 25 of 1999. The site meets approximately 95% of all elements that contributes
to significance of a place or site or cultural landscape. The only element not met is its aesthetic
appeal from a cultural heritage perspective, but from a natural environment the reserve
provides a scenic natural landscape feature.
In terms of the impact of the proposed development on both cultural landscape and natural
heritage, it is concluded that the proposed development will not negative impact on these
resources due to the fact it is planned in an area that is devoid of important heritage resources
(between the primary gate and the gate leading to the reserve and the associated
infrastructure).
The proposed development activities have the potential to enhance both the cultural heritage
and biodiversity of Kloofendal Nature Reserve. This is based on on the fact that for any
interpretation centre to thrive and become self sustainable it has to push for research and
research development as one of its key objectives of thrust. The interpretation centre will
also contribute raising awareness about the history and heritage of the study area, its
associated industrial and natural heritage as well as its role and place in shaping modern day
South African legacy. For example, the discovery of gold in 1884 that propelled further
exploration activities of the Witwatersrand, consequently resulting to the discovery of the
main reef in 1886 by George Harrison on Farm Langlaagte. These activities or events resulted
1st industrial revolution in South Africa and the establishment of cities such as Johannesburg
which later became an economic hub of Africa.
Based on the impact assessment undertaken as part of the study, the amount of positive
impacts associated with the project far exceed the amount of negative impacts. Therefore,
the project will yield best conservation results as a result of the proposed development which
has a potential to stimulate research and part of content development and curation for the
exhibitions and instillations at the proposed interpretation centre. The interpretation also has
the potential to increase awareness about both cultural and natural heritage of the site. The
benefits associated with this also include increase in visitor’s number and generation of
revenue from tourist, revenue which could be channelled back to conservation efforts at the
reserve.
The survey yield Middle Stone Age, industrial/historic archaeological resources - no burial
grounds and graves were identified during the survey. However, their existence is not
completely ruled out since graves (unmarked graves) and other archaeological resources such
as artefacts tend to be subterranean in nature and can only be exposed and brought to the
surface through excavation activities associated with developmental activities.
In terms of SAHRA Paleontological Sensitivity Layer, the project area is located in a low
Sensitivity Area – therefore there is no need to conduct a Palaeontological Impact Assessment
(PIA) or dolomic study as part of the study.
It is concluded that when one accesses the heritage significance of the site and the role that
it played in shaping the history of South Africa, the site is significant enough to be re-
nominated and declared either as a provincial or national heritage site in terms of the new
Act. The national significance will be a Grade higher than its current status of provincial
significance (by default) or local significance if we translate the Johannesburg Heritage Blue
The HIA was developed by NGT Infraco on behalf of Ikamva for Joburg City parks – Kloofendal Nature Reserve
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Plaque as been an indication of the current grading of the site. The national or provincial
significance will be befitting due to the site significance in the pattern of life of South Africa
mining heritage legacy which played a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s modern economy.
Furthermore, due to it being a site associated with the group of persons whose activities may
have directly and indirectly resulted in the discovery of fossil sites in Sterkfontein and
Swartkrans which form part of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and the
establishment of the South African Chamber of Mines i.e. the Mineral Council. There is strong
evidence that suggest that mining in the Witwatersrand contributed to exploration of lime
which form part of the chemical components used to extract gold – thus the linkages created
between the site and the Cradle of Humankind and the fact that the two brothers are known
to have explored Sterkfontein and Swartkrans. However, such linkages will still need to be
explored and investigated in detail. There is strong evidence that suggest that mining in the
Witwatersrand contributed to exploration of lime which form part of the chemical
components used to extract gold – thus the linkages created between the site and the Cradle
of Humankind and the fact that the two brothers are known to have explored Sterkfontein
and Swartkrans. However, such linkages will still need to be explored and investigated in
detail.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that, with the approval of the current BAR and EMPr, a Phase II HIA study
should be conducted on site which should include amongst other research objectives:
o Detailed archaeological investigation of the material cultural in and around the
stonewall enclosure and the mining area. This investigation will assist in terms of
identifying the material culture found on site, its association and dating of the site in
terms of different occupation and the activities that took place on site. A scatter of
glass stoneware and china already provides glimpse of the people that explored the
site. Furthermore, we know that the people who occupied and worked the site in the
1940s consumed beer based on the South African Breweries beer bottle dated to 1945
which shows that the site was definitely occupied during the 1940s.
o Investigation of spatial patterns between sites, material culture and objects is
required on site.
o It is also recommended that further research is required to investigate and determine
the types of linkages between the site and the Cradle. This will increase the the
cultural heritage significance of Kloofendal.
It is recommended that the design team (architectural, landscape and engineering) on the
project should explore ways to incorporate heritage in their designs and use it as a base for
the design process. Elements of heritage should be incorporate in the building fabric and the
landscape.
There is some level of confusion on the status of the site, is it a provincial heritage site or a
local heritage site – this is based on memorial plaques found on site; the National Monument
Council and the City of Johannesburg Heritage Blue Plaque. Joburg City Parks together with
I&APs should determine what heritage grade or status they want to achieve on site. Should it
be provincial or national, then a nomination dossier for the regarding and declaration of the
site should be developed and submitted to the relevant authority for consideration.
The HIA was developed by NGT Infraco on behalf of Ikamva for Joburg City parks – Kloofendal Nature Reserve
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As part of the current development, future development or re-nomination and grading of the
site; a detailed integrated conservation management plant (ICMP) is proposed for the
Kloofendal Nature Reserve and all its heritage resources. The ICMP will work as a guideline
for the protection, conservation and promotion of cultural and natural heritage resources in
the reserve. As part of the ICMP, detailed Heritage Public Participation (H-PP) should be
undertaken as part of the exercise to get inputs from interested and affected parties (I&APs)
such as the City of Johannesburg Department of Arts and Culture: Directorate Immovable
Heritage whose blue plaque is found at the Struben Mill Stamp, the Gauteng Department of
Arts and Culture and Friends of Kloofendal Nature Reserve.
In terms of the current development, heritage resources will not be negatively impacted. The
proposed project is more likely to enhance the heritage and conservation and promote
conservation than to destroy. It is therefore recommended that both the SAHRA and the
PHRA-G grant the project a Positive Review Comment and allow the proposed project to
proceed as planned as it will positively enhance the sense of the place and its heritage fabric.
The HIA was developed by NGT Infraco on behalf of Ikamva for Joburg City parks – Kloofendal Nature Reserve
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT ........................................................................................................ 2
COPYRIGHT ............................................................................................................................................. 3
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE ........................................................................................................ 4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................... 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................... 9
TABLE OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................................ 10
TERMS AND DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................... 12
1.INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 13
1.1. Background Information of Proposed Programme.................................................................... 13
1.2. Proposed Work Scope ................................................................................................................ 13
1.3. Location of the study area ......................................................................................................... 13
1.4. Condition Description, History and Developmental Context of the Affected Area ................... 14
1.4.1. Spatial Planning and Land Use ........................................................................................... 14
1.4.2. Accessibility of the Area ..................................................................................................... 22
Conclusions on Literature Review ..................................................................................................... 30
2. TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF HERITAGE SPECIALIST ................................. 31
2.1. NGT Infraco and Its Experience .................................................................................................. 31
2.2. Legal Requirements for Completion of the Study ..................................................................... 32
3. METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................................................ 33
3.1. Approach to the Study ............................................................................................................... 33
3.1.1. Step I – Literature Review (Desktop Phase) ...................................................................... 33
3.1.2. Step II – Physical Survey ..................................................................................................... 33
3.1.3. Step III - Site Grading and Impact Significance Ratings ........................................................... 34
3.2. Limitations and Assumptions ..................................................................................................... 36
4. RESULTS ............................................................................................................................................. 38
4.1. Struben Stamp Mill and Associated Engine ............................................................................... 38
4.2. Confidence Reef Memorial by the National Monuments Council ............................................. 40
4.3. Historic Stonewalled Enclosure and Material Culture Found Around it .................................... 41
4.1. Significance of the site and associated heritage resources in terms of Section 3 (3) ............... 45
4.2. Historical Significance Rating .................................................................................................... 50
4.3. Landscape Architectural Significance Rating (artefactual significance)..................................... 52
4.4. Spatial Significance Rating ......................................................................................................... 53
5. DISCUSSION ....................................................................................................................................... 55
6. CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................................... 57
7. RECOMMENDATION ......................................................................................................................... 59
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8. REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................................... 61
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Map showing the locality of the project area. ....................................................................... 14 Figure 2- Boundary of the study area (Map @ Friends of Kloofendal, January 2020) ......................... 15 Figure 3- Boundaries and facilities within Kloofendal nature Reserve (Map @ Friends of Kloofendal,
January 2020) ........................................................................................................................................ 16 Figure 4- Site boundary and existing infrastructure including the dam and heritage resources (Map @
Joburg City Parks and Zoo) .................................................................................................................... 17 Figure 5- Entrance to the ecological centre .......................................................................................... 18 Figure 6-Stage which forms part of the amphitheatre ......................................................................... 18 Figure 7-Small lapa's ............................................................................................................................. 18 Figure 8-Exacutive lapa ......................................................................................................................... 19 Figure 9- pavilion ................................................................................................................................... 19 Figure 10- Struben Stamp Mill .............................................................................................................. 19 Figure 11- Example of paved and unpaved pathways .......................................................................... 20 Figure 12- Existing unpaved parking ..................................................................................................... 20 Figure 13- Picture showing the location of the dam ............................................................................. 21 Figure 14- Wilgespruit north of the dam .............................................................................................. 21 Figure 15-Access routes to site ............................................................................................................. 23 Figure 16- Hendrik Wilhelm Struben .................................................................................................... 24 Figure 17- Fredrick Pine Theophilus Struben ........................................................................................ 26 Figure 18-The first page of correspondence between Brown and Mabel Struben, whom Brown
consulted about the wording on the plaque ........................................................................................ 28 Figure 19-Struben Brothers Stamp Mill 1885 - HF Gros Collection (@Heritage Portal) ....................... 29 Figure 20-Struben Stamp Mill ............................................................................................................... 29 Figure 21-The Struben Monument via Rod Kruger (@Heritage Portal) ............................................... 30 Figure 22- matured trees that have since died situated south of the stonewall enclosure ................. 34 Figure 23-Stoneware found in the area with trees which shows signs of disturbance ........................ 34 Figure 24- example of the mine shaft on site ....................................................................................... 37 Figure 25- Struben Stamp Mill and the associated engine. Note the CoJMM heritage blue plaque .. 38 Figure 26- Struben Stamp Mill - picture taken from the north facing south. Note the engine
associated with the stamp mill ............................................................................................................. 39 Figure 27-City of Johannesburg Blue Plaque narrating the history of the Struben Stamp Mill ............ 39 Figure 28- Confidence Reef Mine National Monuments Council memorial dated to 1983 ................. 40 Figure 29-Position of the memorial ...................................................................................................... 41 Figure 30-Historic rectangle stonewall enclosure found on the southern-hilltop in Kloofendal Nature
Reserve .................................................................................................................................................. 42 Figure 31- Talana based of a bottle dated 1945 found immediately north of the stonewall enclosure
.............................................................................................................................................................. 42 Figure 32- Example of full sized South African breweries dated 1940s with Ohlsson Cape Breweries
embossment on the side and underneath is Talana as is with the bottle based found on site. .......... 43 Figure 33- Middle Stone Age Flake made from quartz ......................................................................... 43 Figure 34-stoneware (blue arrows), china (blue and green –red arrow)) and glass found around the
stone enclosure ..................................................................................................................................... 44
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1- Significant events by years associated with Harry Struben .................................................... 25 Table 2- Significant events by year associated with Fred Struben ....................................................... 26 Table 3: Legislation and relevance to this HIA Study ............................................................................ 32 Table 4: Site significance classification standards as prescribed by SAHRA ......................................... 35 Table 5: Significance criteria in terms of Section 3(3) of the National Heritage Resources Act. .......... 35 Table 6- Rating in terms history of the area ........................................................................................ 36 Table 7- Landscape and landscape features rating ............................................................................... 36 Table 8- Spatial Rating .......................................................................................................................... 36 Table 9:Significance criteria in terms of Section 3(3) of the National Heritage Resources Act. ........... 46 Table 10-Assessment of impacts on the history of the area ................................................................ 51 Table 11- Assessment of impact on the receiving environment landscape and landscape features
such as streets and streetscapes .......................................................................................................... 52 Table 12- Assessment of spatial pattern of heritage resources in the landscape ................................ 53
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ACRONYMS DESCRIPTION
AUTHORITIES
ASAPA Association of South African Professional Archaeologists
CoJMM City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality
NGT Nurture, Grow, Treasure
PHRA-G Provincial Heritage Resources Agency Gauteng
SAHRA South African Heritage Resources Agency
GDARD Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
DISCIPLINE
BGG Burial grounds and graves
CMP Conservation Management Plan
ICMP Integrated Conservation Management Plan
HIA Heritage Impact Assessment
H-PP Heritage Public Participation
I&APs Interested and Affected Parties
PIA Palaeontological Impact Assessment
PSL Palaeontological Sensitivity Layer
RQC Review and Quality Control
LEGAL
NHRA National Heritage Resources Act, No. 25 of 1999
NEMA National Environmental Management Act, No. 108 of 1998
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TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
Archaeological resources
These include:
Material remains resulting from human activities which are in a state of disuse and are in or
on land and which are older than 100 years including artefacts, human and hominid remains
and artificial features and structures;
Rock art, being any form of painting, engraving or other graphic representation on a fixed rock
surface or loose rock or stone, which was executed by human agency and which is older than
100 years, including any area within 10m of such representation;
Wrecks, being any vessel or aircraft, or any part thereof which was wrecked in South Africa,
whether on land, in the internal waters, the territorial waters or in the maritime culture zone
of the republic as defined in the Maritimes Zones Act, and any cargo, debris or artefacts found
or associated therewith, which is older than 60 years or which SAHRA considers to be worthy
of conservation;
Features, structures and artefacts associated with military history which are older than 75
years and the site on which they are found.
Palaeontological
This means any fossilised remains or fossil trace of animals or plants which lived in the geological past,
other than fossil fuels or fossiliferous rock intended for industrial.
Cultural significance
This means aesthetic, architectural, historical, scientific, social, spiritual, linguistic or
technological value or significance.
Development
This means any physical intervention, excavation, or action, other than those caused by natural forces,
which may in the opinion of the heritage authority in any way result in the change to the nature,
appearance or physical nature of a place or influence its stability and future well-being, including:
Construction, alteration, demolition, removal or change in use of a place or a structure at a
place;
Carrying out any works on or over or under a place;
Subdivision or consolidation of land comprising a place, including the structures or airspace of
a place;
Constructing or putting up for display signs or boards; any change to the natural or existing
condition or topography of land;
And any removal or destruction of trees, or removal of vegetation or topsoil.
Heritage resources: This means any place or object of cultural significance
Living heritage
This means the intangible aspects of inherited culture and may include cultural tradition; oral
history; performance; ritual; popular memory; skills and techniques; indigenous knowledge
systems; and the holistic approach to nature, society and social relationship
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1.INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background Information of Proposed Programme
Ikamva, has been appointed by the Joburg City to manage the the EIA process for the proposed
development of an interpretation centre, parking area and staff quarters at Kloofendal Nature Reserve
in Roodepoort, CoJMM, Gauteng Province. In Roodepoort the nature reserve is situated in the suburb
of Kloofendal near Constatiakloof.
According to the Programme Background Information Document (BID) about the proposed
development:
Stage 1 – is the current EIA process in form of a Basic Assessment Report (BAR) and
Environmental Management Programme (EMPr).is currently in construction and Round 2 is at
It is assumed that Stage 2: will involve a feasibility study and design process by an architectural
and engineering team resulting to the production of associated infrastructure drawings.
This HIA forms part of the various specialist studies aimed at informing the BAR and the EMPr about
the environmental and heritage status of the receiving environment. NGT Infraco has been appointed
to manage the HIA. The study investigates the potential impacts of the proposed project on the
identified heritage resources in the receiving environment as well as the impact on the intangible
heritage fabric of the receiving environment. The overall objective of the HIA is to give advice on the
management of the heritage resources (both the tangible and the intangible) in the study area in terms
of known heritage resources management measures in line with the NHRA, No. 25 of 1999.
1.2. Proposed Work Scope
BAR and EMPr conducted by Ikamva and acquisition of environmental permits
Specialist inputs to inform the BAR and EMPr
Over and above the compliance requirements for HIA’s as part of the BAR and EMPr, this HIA intends
to give inputs on what should be done to further enhance the cultural fabric of the receiving
environment in the second stage of the project.
1.3. Location of the study area
The study area is situated in the north-western suburbs of Johannesburg Central Business District
(CBD) in Roodepoort in the suburbs of Kloofendal. It is ensconced between Wilgerood Road (Robert
Broom Street) in the north, Ondekker Road in the south, C.R Swart Road in the west and Christian de
Wet Road in the east
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Figure 1: Map showing the locality of the project area.
1.4. Condition Description, History and Developmental Context of the Affected Area
1.4.1. Spatial Planning and Land Use
The site is zoned a Nature Reserve and is open to public for recreational activities and events (Figure
2 and 3). It primary land use in conservation. Amenities on site include amongst others:
The Ecological Centre (Figure 5)
An amphitheatre with a number of small lapa’s with chairs that surround the amphitheatre
and one big lapa i.e. the Executive Lapa and stage (Figure 6 – 8)
Other infrastructure includes: ablution facilities, braai area and small pavilions (e.g. Figure 9)
Historic objects such as the Struben Stamp Mill and the associated engine (Figure 10)
A number of paved and unpaved pathways for walking and exploration of the reserve (Figure
11)
An unpaved parking area where the proposed interpretation centre is proposed to be
constructed (Figure 12)
A dam (Figure 13)
The spruit (Figure 14)
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Figure 2- Boundary of the study area (Map @ Friends of Kloofendal, January 2020)
The HIA was developed by NGT Infraco on behalf of Ikamva for Joburg City parks – Kloofendal Nature Reserve
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Figure 3- Boundaries and facilities within Kloofendal nature Reserve (Map @ Friends of Kloofendal,
January 2020)
The HIA was developed by NGT Infraco on behalf of Ikamva for Joburg City parks – Kloofendal Nature Reserve
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Figure 4- Site boundary and existing infrastructure including the dam and heritage resources (Map @ Joburg City Parks and Zoo)
The HIA was developed by NGT Infraco on behalf of Ikamva for Joburg City parks – Kloofendal Nature Reserve
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Figure 5- Entrance to the ecological centre
Figure 6-Stage which forms part of the amphitheatre
Figure 7-Small lapa's
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Figure 8-Exacutive lapa
Figure 9- pavilion
Figure 10- Struben Stamp Mill
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Figure 11- Example of paved and unpaved pathways
Figure 12- Existing unpaved parking
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Figure 13- Picture showing the location of the dam
Figure 14- Wilgespruit north of the dam
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1.4.2. Accessibility of the Area
The study site is ensconced between Wilgerood Road (Robert Broom Street) in the north, Ondekker
Road in the south, C.R Swart Road in the west and Christian de Wet Road in the east. It can be access
from these major roads (Figure 15):
From Johannesburg (south-east) via Ondekker Road, joining Christian De Wet and Dr Robert
Broom Street which passes north of the site
From the east and north via the N1 Western Bypass on 14th Avenue either joining Ondekker
Road (in the south) or by taking the Hendrik Potgrieter Road in the north.
From Hendrik Potgrieter Road in the north either through Christian De Wet or Golf Club
Terrace joining Dr Robert Broom which passes north of the site
From the west via Ondekker Road in the south joining C.R Swart Road which leads to Dr Robert
Broom east wards.
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Figure 15-Access routes to site
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1.4.3. Development Context and History of the of the Area
In terms of cultural heritage, the study area is associated with with industrial heritage and history i.e.
the discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand. The first gold bearing reef was discovered on the eastern
section of the Farm Wilgespruit on the 18th September 1884. The discovery was made by the Struben
brothers, Fredrick Pine Theophilus Struben and Hendrik Wilhelm Struben (Figure 16), who owned the
Sterkfontein Junction Mining Syndicate. Fredrick (Fred) and Hendrik (Harry) were sons of Johan H.M.
Struben (from Holland) who was an official of the South African Republic, and his wife, Frances S.
Beattie (of Scottish origin) who migrated to South Africa in 1850 settling in Pietermaritzburg and in
1885 moved to Pretoria. The Struben brothers mine became known as the Confidence Reef Mine. This
discovery followed a number of entrepreneurial and business ventures by the Struben brothers. For
example, below is the summary of significant events or activities associated with Harry (i.e. born bon
the 9th October 1840 on a yacht trip in Lower Rhine, German and died on the 18th October 1915 in
Rosebank, Cape Town South Africa) started out as (Table 1):
Figure 16- Hendrik Wilhelm Struben
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Table 1- Significant events by years associated with Harry Struben
Year Event or Activity
1855 Owner of a transport rider company carrying goods between the Natal and the Transvaal
In 1862 By farm 'The Willows' on the outskirts of Pretoria
January 1868 Marries Mary L. Cole and they are blessed with a family of eight children in the later years
1872 Together with Piet Marais buys two farms in the Lydenburg District, Mpumalanga (then
Eastern Transvaal)
October 1876 Elected to the Volksraad to represent the constituency of Pretoria East
1880-1881 Embarks on mining ventures with his younger brother, Fred Struben
December
1883
Together with his younger brother establish the Sterkfontein Junction Mining Syndicate. The
company explores the farms Sterkfontein and Swartkrans in today west rand. Their focus is
almost entirely on quartz reefs, little realising that gold on the Witwatersrand was confined
primarily to conglomerate beds.
September
1884
He comes across a promising quartz outcrop on the farm Wilgespruit and they name it
Confidence Reef.
1885 The Transvaal government assisted in financing its exploitation in 1885, but the yields proved
to be disappointing.
1886 Their mining activities attracted other fortune-seekers to the area, and the extremely rich
Main Reef conglomerate was found on the farm Langlaagte in 1886. Together with his
younger brother, Fred they retire to Cape Town.
1875-6 Elected as the first Director of the Delagoa Bay Railway.
March 1887 Harry is elected to the first Diggers’ Committee in Johannesburg
Late 1887 Harry was elected the first president of the Chamber of Mines (the current Mineral Council
of South Africa) which was founded to promote the mining industry in the Transvaal.
1889 Harry sold his mining rights on the farms Driefontein and Vogelstruisfontein, and retired
to Rosebank, Cape Town
His brother Fred (born 14th June 1851 in Pietermaritzburg in South Africa and died on the 7th
September 1931in Devonshire, England) worked along side his older brother but often chased
prospecting activities on his own (Figure 17 and Table 2):
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Figure 17- Fredrick Pine Theophilus Struben
Table 2- Significant events by year associated with Fred Struben
Year Event or Activity
1855 Joins his older brother Harry on farm The Willows, near Pretoria, assisting him in trading and
prospecting ventures.
1870 Works a claim on the alluvial diamond diggings along the Vaal River
1872-1873 Involved with prospecting activities in Pilgrim's Rest, Mpumalanga (then Eastern Transvaal)
May – July
1876
Take part in punitive expedition against the Bapedi under Paramount Chief Sekhukhune in the
Lydenburg District
1879 Helps to organise transport during the Anglo-Zulu War
1880-1881 He travels to Europe during the First South African War (i.e. First Anglo-Boer War) following
the British annexation of the Transvaal
December
1883
Tours the Witwatersrand looking for gold. He and Harry then formed the Sterkfontein Junction
Mining Syndicate to prospect on, among others, the farms Sterkfontein and Swartkrans. At that
time, like almost all other prospectors, they concentrated their efforts on quartz reefs, not
suspecting that gold on the Witwatersrand occurred mainly in conglomerate beds.
1884 Started prospecting in Barbeton following the discovery of gold at present day Barberton in
February 1884 by F.H. Barber and others, but without success
September
1884
Fred and his brother Harry discovered a promising quartz reef on the farm Wilgespruit, south-
east of Kromdraai and they name it Confidence Reef.
1886 The Transvaal government promised state aid for its exploitation, but the results were
disappointing. However, their activities helped to attract other prospectors to the region,
which led to the discovery of the extremely rich Main Reef conglomerate on the farm
Langlaagte in 1886. A few years later the Struben brothers sold their mining rights on the farms
Driefontein and Vogelstruisfontein for a substantial sum and retire to Cape Town
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In the Witwatersrand, it is understood that the two brothers were working under the invitation of Mr
Louw Geldenhuys and had learned and acquired their mining expertise from a Cornish miner by the
name of George Arnold. The news of the discovery was made known to the President of the Transvaal
Republic and the world on the 5th January 1885. The Transvaal government promised state aid for its
exploitation of gold, but the mine had low yields and the two brothers eventually abandoned the mine
which remained idle for some three decades. Although not successful at Confidence Reef Mine, their
discovery brought about a number of other gold prospectors such as George Harrison & George
Walker in the Witwatersrand consequently resulting to the discovery of the Main Reef in 1886 by
George Harrison on Farm Langlaagte. The two George’s had learned and acquired their mining skills
from Mr Arthur Edgson based in Muldersdrift. In addition to the Confidence Reef Mine, the Struben’s
brothers also put claims on the Main Reef – east of the Farm Langlaagte where they dug numerous
test-shafts with the aim and objective quantifying the gold content. Their claims were referred to as
the Crown Reef. A few years later (1889) the Struben brothers sold their mining rights on the farms
Driefontein and Vogelstruisfontei for a substantial sum and retire to Cape Town. But, it seems that
Fred retained the property rights at Wilgespruit because the literature shows that the property was
only sold by his wife, Mable, following his death in 1931 in Devonshire, England. She sold it to George
Brown of Roodepoort who also did not succeed in his mining endevours at Wilgespruit. Below is a
letter to Mrs. Struben from George Brown dated 16 September 1926 (Figure 18). Before the property
was sold to him, Confidence Reef mine was rented out and operated by a consortium led by Count
Jacques de Waru who had also abandoned the mine because it did not prove consistently payable due
to its low yields, eventually interest in its operation was short-lived and it lay abandoned until the
1930s.
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Figure 18-The first page of correspondence between Brown and Mabel Struben, whom Brown
consulted about the wording on the plaque
In terms of the mining infrastructure at Confidence Reef Mine, George Walker is accredited with its
set up or establishment; Walker was commissioned to help set up the new stamp-mill in Kloofendal,
and he build a small cottage nearby to replace the Struben brothers tent (Figure 19). The stamp mill
was imported from Sandycroft Foundry in England (Figure 19-20). The mill was powered it with an 8
horse-power steam engine which the had imported from Ransom, Simms & Jefferies from England. In
1936 George Brown built a monument to honour the Struben’s brother discovery of gold at
Kloofendal, with his own money since the mine was not yielding the desired results (Figure 21). The
monument commemorating the efforts of the Struben brothers in the discovery of gold was built using
red bricks with a marble plaque narrating the story about what the Struben brothers had achieved in
Kloofendal, the monument towered on the koppie overlooking the Magaliesberg. The marble
inscription read:
“To the memory of Fred and Harry Struben, who by their brotherly cooperation during a period
of arduous work discovered and proved the gold-bearing conglomerate of the Witwatersrand,
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September 1884. The first public information of discovery was made to the President of the
Transvaal Republic and the world, January 5, 1885. “Erected by Geo. Brown, November, 1836,
Wilgespruit.””
The monument stood overlooking the scenic Magaliesberg for some three decades until the mid-
1960s when is was destroyed by a treasure hunter who completely destroyed it in search of the
legendary ‘Kruger Millions’ which he thought had been buried within it. Today, sadly, nothing remains
of Brown’s Struben monument.
Figure 19-Struben Brothers Stamp Mill 1885 - HF Gros Collection (@Heritage Portal)
Figure 20-Struben Stamp Mill
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Figure 21-The Struben Monument via Rod Kruger (@Heritage Portal)
The Confidence Reef Mine is also a declared Provincial Heritage Site by the National Monuments
Council in 1983 (Figure 13). In addition to this perhaps it is time to revive the idea of substantial
memorial to the famous brothers? Rod Kruger sits where the Monument once stood. The area is now
in the Kloofendal Nature Reserve, near Clearwater Mall and Strubens Valley.
Conclusions on Literature Review
In conclusion the background information search has shown that the study area is a rich cultural
landscape which is associated with a group of persons that played an integral part in the discovery of
gold in the Witwatersrand and consequently the establishment of Johannesburg and the Gauteng
Province as it it is known today. Furthermore, the Struben brother’s discovery contributed to the
shaping of the modern day economy of South African through the 1800s industrial revolution
propelled by the discovery of diamonds in Kimberly in 1867 (the Eureka and many other discoveries
that followed) on the Orange River banks near Hopetown in Northern Cape and later the discovery of
gold in the Witwatersrand in the 1880s. The Struben brothers also played an integral part in the
formation of the Chamber of mine, now commonly known as the Mineral Council South Africa (e.g.
Harry in 1887).
Based on this, it is concluded that the Confidence Reef is a site of cultural heritage significance and
deserves a declaration as a National Heritage Site. It resulted to discovery of gold, the prospecting
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endevours by the two brothers before their discovery at confidence resulted to the discovery of fossil
material in the Sterkfontein and Swartkrans area which are now declared a world heritage site.
2. TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF HERITAGE SPECIALIST
The HIA is conducted in terms of Sections 38 and Section 34 the of the NHRA, No. 25 of 1999. NGT
Infraco is appointed as the lead cultural resources management (CRM) consultant to conduct and
manage the HIA and the associated heritage public participation process (H-PPP). The appointment of
NGT Infraco is based on NGT experience and expertise in the field of Conservation (one of the three
pillar of NGT Infraco, others being expertise and experience in Infrastructure and Built Environment)
in which heritage and environment resources conservation form core of its business. But, also based
on its understanding of the socio-economic benefits associated with conservation efforts.
2.1. NGT Infraco and Its Experience
NGT Infraco (Pty) Ltd (“NGT Infraco”) is an Infrastructure, Built Environment and Conservation
services company. It was established in 2013 as a Subsidiary of NGT Holdings (Pty) Ltd T/A NGT
(Nurture, Grow, Treasure) in pursuit of infrastructure engineering projects and had two sister
companies. With the review and revision of NGT strategy in late 2019, it was decided that all NGT
services should be consolidated and offered under one umbrella i.e. NGT Infraco. This allowed for
seamless and focused service offering to clients and stakeholders. The company has two independent
business units, the Technical Services and Professional Advisory Solutions Departments. The two
business units are merged corporately but still retained their individual identities. They share synergies
and collaborate on projects to achieve the overall company business strategy. This strategic objective
allows each of the business units to mobilise its own resources and expertise to deliver on projects,
clients and in meeting project objectives.
NGT Infraco operates in all three South Africa regions which include:
Northern Regions: Gauteng Province, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the North West Province
Central Regions: Free State Province and KwaZulu-Natal
Cape Regions: Eastern Cape Province, the Western Cape and the Northern Cape
The company’s Executive Director and Principal Consultant has 13 years’ experience in following fields:
Infrastructure development - planning, permitting, design and management
Built environment – feasibility, planning, permitting, design and build
Conservation - feasibility, planning, permitting and conservation management plans for both
cultural and natural heritage resources
Project and programme management – from inception to handover
In addition to his vast South African experience he has extensive international experience and
expertise. This includes international project experience in countries such as the Democratic Republic
of Congo and Botswana and scientific exchange programmes with countries such as the United States
of America, the Peoples Republic of China and France
The above, together with his creative mind and entrepreneurial zeal, gives NGT Infraco a competitive
edge over its competitors and the work it delivers on. With each project and programme uniquely
conceptualised, structured and delivered to exceed client expectations. At NGT Infraco we always
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challenge ourselves to supersede conversional thinking in the way we deliver on projects and
programmes.
2.2. Legal Requirements for Completion of the Study
The NHRA, No. 25 of 1999 sets norms and standards for the management of heritage resources in
South Africa. Section 35 and 38 (3) of the NHRA, No. 25 of 1999 informs the current HIA study. Table
4 below gives a summary of all the relevant legislations that informed the current study.
Table 3: Legislation and relevance to this HIA Study
LEGISLATION (INCL. POLICIES, BILLS AND FRAMEWORK)
Heritage Heritage resources in South Africa are managed through the National Heritage Resources Act
(NHRA), No. 25 of 1999. This Act sets guidelines and principles for the management of the nation
estate.
Section 34 becomes relevant in terms of structures.
Section 35 becomes relevant in terms of archaeology and palaeontology.
Section 36 becomes relevant for the management of burial grounds and graves.
Section 38 of the Act becomes relevant to this development based on the nature and character
of the programme
Environmental The NEMA, No. 107 of 1998.
The cultural environment in South Africa is managed through Section 24 of the NEMA, No. 107
of 1998.
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3. METHODOLOGY
3.1. Approach to the Study
Nkosinathi Tomose is responsible for the compilation of the current HIA report and the H-PPP; that
including its Review and Quality Control (RQC) process. This involved reviewing the First Draft HIA
(Revision 01) and revising the Second Draft (Revision 02). The RQC is a standard process at NGT
Infraco and forms part of its quality management systems. This process considers if:
Study addresses project objectives in line with the project work scope
The study follows the necessary steps in conducting and completing the work in terms of the
required legislation
The quality of the content of the study
The work is conducted, concluded and delivered to client and the project proponent within
the prescribed timeframes and schedule of works:
o This is important factor in project management because it can result to major project
risks such as financial escalations, unrests due to delayed service delivery especially
in public projects.
o Reputation risks to the appointed Principal Agent
That document management systems such as compliance to non-disclosures and document
pathway between the consultant, the principal agent, stakeholders and authorities.
3.1.1. Step I – Literature Review (Desktop Phase)
Background information search for the proposed development took place following the receipt of
appointment letter from the client. Sources used included, but not limited to published HIA studies,
academic books, academic journal articles and the internet about the site and the broader area in
which it is located. Interpretation of legislation (the NHRA, No. 25 of 1999) and local bi-laws forms,
form the backbone for the study.
3.1.2. Step II – Physical Survey
The survey of the project area was conducted on:
January 2020 and it was conducted by Nkosinathi Tomose
The survey of the proposed development area was conducted on foot and the site was
accessed using a bakkie;
The aim of the surveys was to identify archaeological, burial grounds and graves, and built
environment heritage sites and features in and around the area proposed for development
area;
To record and document the sites using applicable tools and technology;
The survey also paid attention to historically disturbed areas such as the area south of the
stonewall enclosure with dead matured trees (Figure 22) where some material culture was
found similar to that found at the stonewall enclosure (Figure 23)
The following technological tools were used for documenting and recording identified resources on
site:
Garmin GPS (i.e. Garmin 62s) – to take Latitude and Longitude coordinates of the identified
sites and to track the site.
Canon SLR – to take photos of the affected environment and the identified sites.
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Figure 22- matured trees that have since died situated south of the stonewall enclosure
Figure 23-Stoneware found in the area with trees which shows signs of disturbance
3.1.3. Step III - Site Grading and Impact Significance Ratings
The following site significance classification minimum standards as prescribed by the SAHRA (2006)
and approved by ASAPA for the Southern African Developing Community (SADC) region were used to
grade the identified heritage resources or sites (Table. 2).
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3.1.3.1. Site Grading
Table 4: Site significance classification standards as prescribed by SAHRA
FIELD RATING GRADE SIGNIFICANCE RECOMMENDED MITIGATION
National Significance (NS) Grade 1 High Significance Conservation; National Site nomination
Provincial Significance (PS) Grade 2 High Significance Conservation; Provincial Site nomination
Local Significance (LS) Grade 3A High Significance Conservation; Mitigation not advised
Local Significance (LS) Grade 3B High Significance Mitigation (Part of site should be
retained)
Generally Protected A (GP. A) - High / Medium
Significance
Mitigation before destruction
Generally Protected B (GP. B) - Medium Significance Recording before destruction
Generally Protected C (GP. A) - Low Significance Destruction
3.1.3.2. Ratings in terms of Section 3 (3) of the NHRA, No. 25 of 1999
Cultural and natural landscape rating including architectural and archaeological resources in terms of
the importance
Table 5: Significance criteria in terms of Section 3(3) of the National Heritage Resources Act.
No Criteria Used
1 The importance of the cultural heritage in the community or pattern of South Africa’s history (Historic and
political significance)
2 Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspect of South African natural and cultural heritage significance
3 Potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of South Africa’s natural or cultural
heritage (Research/scientific significance)
4 Importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics valued by a community or cultural group (Aesthetic
significance)
5 What is the state of the architectural and structural integrity of the street and streetscape?
6 Importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative or technical achievement at a particular period
(Scientific significance)
7 Strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual
reasons (Social significance)
8 Strong or special association with the life and work of a person, group or organization of importance in the
history of South Africa (Historic significance)
9 The significance of the site relating to the history of slavery in South Africa.
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3.1.3.3. Historical Significance Rating
Table 6- Rating in terms history of the area
No Criteria Used
1 Is the street or streetscape associated with a historical person or group?
2 Is the street or streetscape associated with a historical event?
3 Is the street or streetscape associated with a religious, economic, social, political or educational activity?
4 Is the street or streetscape of archaeological significance?
Are any of the buildings on the site older than 60 years?
3.1.3.4. Landscape Architectural Significance Rating (artefactual significance)
Table 7- Landscape and landscape features rating
No Criteria Used
1 Is the street and streetscape an important example of a Johannesburg streetscape precinct?
2 Is the street or streetscape an outstanding example of a particular style or period?
3 Does the street or streetscape contain fine landscaping details and reflect exceptional craftsmanship?
4 Is the street or streetscape an example of an exceptional industrial, engineering or technological
development?
5 What is the state of the architectural and structural integrity of the street and streetscape?
6 Is the street or streetscape’s current and future use in sympathy with its original use (for which they were
designed)?
7 Were the alterations to the street or streetscape done in sympathy with the original design?
3.1.3.5. Spatial Significance Rating
Table 8- Spatial Rating
No Criteria Used
1 Can the street be considered a landmark in the city?
2 Does the street or any of the adjacent buildings contribute to the character of the neighbourhood?
3 Do any of the buildings contribute to the character of the streetscape?
4 Does the street relate to the urban network of adjacent streets and streetscapes?
3.2. Limitations and Assumptions
Although a comprehensiveness physical survey was undertaken it should be noted that some of the
archaeological material, including artefacts and graves can be buried underground or hidden
underneath thick vegetation and as such, may not have been identified during the initial survey and
site visit. In the case where the proposed development activities bring these materials to the surface,
they should be treated as Chance Finds. Should such resources be unearthed it is recommended that,
the development activities be stopped immediately, and an archaeologist be contacted to conduct a
site visits and make recommendations on the mitigation of the finds. SAHRA and PHRA-G should also
be informed immediately on such finds. In this case no archaeological material of graves should be
moved from the site, until the heritage specialist has been able to make an assessment regarding the
significance of the site and archaeological material, which is also subject to SAHRA approval.
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Furthermore, there survey was conducted in the absence of architectural and engineering drawings
show the type of proposed infrastructure.
The surveyor and principal consultant did not visit the shafts due to health and safety reasons (Figure
24). This limitation will be mitigated by arranging a site visit of the mine shaft as part of the guided
tours during the H-PP which will form part of the EIA public participation process.
Figure 24- example of the mine shaft on site
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4. RESULTS
The background information yielded information about history and heritage of the study area. The
survey confirmed some of the known heritage resources and other forms such as the material culture
associated with the stone enclosure were discovered. Below is the list of heritage resources found on
site:
4.1. Struben Stamp Mill and Associated Engine
The Struben Stamp Mill and engine (Figure 25-26). The stamp mill is situated at the second entrance
to the reserve by the fence which separates the parking area, the recreational space with a fence that
demarcates it from the rest of the infrastructure. Figure 27 is the Johannesburg Heritage blue plaque,
a plaque given to the City of Johannesburg outstanding and significant heritage resources.
Figure 25- Struben Stamp Mill and the associated engine. Note the CoJMM heritage blue plaque
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Figure 26- Struben Stamp Mill - picture taken from the north facing south. Note the engine associated
with the stamp mill
Figure 27-City of Johannesburg Blue Plaque narrating the history of the Struben Stamp Mill
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4.2. Confidence Reef Memorial by the National Monuments Council
A picture of Confidence Main Reef memorial erected on site in 1983 by the National Monuments
Council. The memorial is made of sandstone and has a brass plaque of the National Monuments
Council as well as a brass inscription of the history and significance of the site (Figure 28). Before, 1999
site adorned with such plaques by the National Monuments Council were sites of national heritage
significance. Figure 29 shows the location of the memorial from the eastern koppie facing west – near
the memorial is a shed.
Figure 28- Confidence Reef Mine National Monuments Council memorial dated to 1983
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Figure 29-Position of the memorial
4.3. Historic Stonewalled Enclosure and Material Culture Found Around it
Situated on the southern hilltop this is a rectangle stonewall enclosure which is possibly associated
with the 1930 to 1940 or 1960s occupation of the site and associated industrial activities (Figure 30).
A number of material culture was found around the stone enclosure and an Ohlsson South African
Breweries beer bottle was found north of the enclosure (Figure 31 and 32). Also identified in close
proximity of the stone enclosure is a Middle Stone Age flake (Figure 33) and a number of broken
stoneware, chinaware and glass (Figure 34). The glass and stoneware is typical of the late 1800s and
to mid 1900s – often found in industrial archaeological sites
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Figure 30-Historic rectangle stonewall enclosure found on the southern-hilltop in Kloofendal Nature
Reserve
Figure 31- Talana based of a bottle dated 1945 found immediately north of the stonewall enclosure
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Figure 32- Example of full sized South African breweries dated 1940s with Ohlsson Cape Breweries
embossment on the side and underneath is Talana as is with the bottle based found on site.
Figure 33- Middle Stone Age Flake made from quartz
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Figure 34-stoneware (blue arrows), china (blue and green –red arrow)) and glass found around the stone enclosure
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4.1. Significance of the site and associated heritage resources in terms of Section 3 (3)
This section of the Act, states that without limiting the generality of subsections (subsection (1) and (2) of the NHRA, No. 25 of 1999 a place or object is to be
considered part of the national estate if it has cultural significance or other special value because of:
(a) its importance in the community, or pattern of South Africa’s history;
(b) its possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of South Africa’s 30 natural or cultural heritage;
(c) its potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of South Africa’s natural or cultural heritage;
(d) its importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular class of South Africa’s natural or cultural places or objects; 35
(e) its importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics valued by a community or cultural group;
(f) its importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative or technical achievement at a particular period;
(g) its strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group 40 for social, cultural or spiritual reasons;
(h) its strong or special association with the life or work of a person, group or organisation of importance in the history of South Africa; and
(i) sites of significance relating to the history of slavery in South Africa.
The assessment of the site (Kloofendal Nature Reserve with all its heritage resources) heavily relied on this section of the Act since the assessment did not
only look at heritage features and objects in isolation but as a collective forming part of the broader cultural landscape (Table 9).
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Table 9:Significance criteria in terms of Section 3(3) of the National Heritage Resources Act.
No Criteria Used Site Grading Site Significance Rating
Definition of Site Significance Impact Significance from Activities (negative or positive impact)
Nature of Impact (Direct vs Indirect impact)
Mitigation Measures to be Considered
1 The importance of the cultural heritage in the community or pattern of South Africa’s history (Historic and political significance)
2 High Kloofendal Nature Reserve is a rich cultural landscape associated with the history and heritage of the mining industry in South Africa. The industry played a significant role in the development of South African modern economy and still plays a pivotal role in the economy in the modern day South Africa.
Negative Impacts:
The proposed development will not a negative impact on the cultural heritage fabric of Kloofendal Nature Reserve and the associated cultural heritage resources.
Nature of Negative Impacts:
No direct impact – negative impact will result from the proposed development
The proposed development should be limited in the area outside the reserve as planned. No activities should take place inside the reserve as these may result to direct negative impacts on the cultural heritage resources.
Positive Impacts:
The proposed interpretation centre is viewed as an effort to contribute to research and interpretation of the site and will result to its cultural and natural heritage fabric being enhance – a positive impact.
Nature of Positive Impacts:
The indirect positive impacts will result to research, interpretation and raising awareness about both cultural and natural heritage of Kloofendal Nature Reserve
2 Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspect of South African natural and cultural heritage significance
2 High The site contains the early history of South African mining industry, an industry that played a significant role in the development of Johannesburg, the modern day Gauteng Province and in shaping the South African economy.
Negative Impacts:
The proposed development will not have negative impacts on the cultural heritage fabric of Kloofendal Nature Reserve and the associated cultural heritage resources.
Nature of Negative Impacts:
No direct impact – negative impact will result from the proposed development
The proposed development should be limited in the area outside the reserve as planned. No activities should take place inside the reserve as these may result to direct negative impacts on the cultural heritage resources.
Positive Impacts:
The proposed interpretation centre is viewed as an effort to contribute to research and interpretation of the site and will result to positive benefits to both cultural and natural heritage resources and their conservation
Nature of positive Impacts:
Research, interpretation and raising awareness about both cultural and natural heritage of Kloofendal Nature Reserve. This will result to long terms sustainable conservation efforts
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No Criteria Used Site Grading
Site Significance Rating
Definition of Site Significance Impact Significance from Activities (negative or positive impact)
Nature of Impact (Direct vs Indirect impact)
Mitigation Measures to be Considered
3 Potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of South Africa’s natural or cultural heritage (Research/scientific significance)
3A High The site has a potential for historical and industrial archaeological research. The area around the stonewall enclosure yielded lots of material culture in form of bottles, glass and stoneware. The area around the mine shaft also has a potential to yield archaeological material culture which would unshed more scientific information about the miners, their activities on site and the type of technology they used and food the consumed during mining.
Negative Impacts:
No negative impacts will result from the proposed development activities – they are situated outside the reserve.
Nature of Negative Impacts:
No direct negative impacts will result from the proposed development
It is proposed that the Nature Reserve partner with a university or museum or a heritage company and conduct as Phase II HIA. The HIA will conduct a detailed investigation of the stone wall enclosure and the areas around the mine shaft. It should include survey of archaeological material culture through archaeological excavation which will yield more information about the miners on site. At the southern hilltop a bottle with a date of 1930s was identified, China ware and some stoneware was also found. The excavation will also assist with relative dating of the site and yield more information of the activities that took place on site during the different occupation periods. during the survey.
Positive Impacts:
The proposed interpretation centre is viewed as an effort to contribute to research and interpretation of the site and will result to its cultural and natural heritage fabric being enhance – a positive impact.
Nature of Positive Impacts:
Research, interpretation and raising awareness about both cultural and natural heritage of Kloofendal Nature Reserve. This will result to long terms sustainable conservation efforts
4 Importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics valued by a community or cultural group (Aesthetic significance)
3A High The site rich in biodiversity and contains elements of the history of mining in South Africa. It is one of scenic areas in Johannesburg and the community were it is situated .
Negative Impacts:
Depending on the type and nature of architectural design impacts may result i.e. for example, design and construction of visual intrusive infrastructure.
Nature of Negative Impacts:
The negative impacts will be visual and intrusive depending on the nature of architecture and infrastructure proposed.
The appointed architects and engineering team should maximise the environmental and cultural heritage elements in their designs. Heritage should form the base of design and development process.
No intrusive infrastructure should be proposed on site as this will take away from the current scenic beauty of the site and impact on the reserve aesthetic and scenic feel in the process compromising in heritage fabric (both natural and cultural fabric)
Positive Impacts:
The proposed development provides an opportunity to incorporate cultural heritage as the based for the development. Incorporating both cultural and natural heritage elements in the design and construction of the proposed infrastructure.
Nature of Negative Impacts:
The positive benefits will result from incorporation of both natural and cultural heritage elements in the design and construction of the proposed infrastructure
5 What is the state of the architectural and structural integrity of the street and streetscape?
3E Low The old streetscapes are not preserved
Negative Impacts:
N/A.
Nature of Negative Impacts:
N/A N/A
Positive Impacts:
N/A.
Nature of Negative Impacts:
N/A
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No Criteria Used Site Grading Site Significance Rating
Definition of Site Significance Impact Significance from Activities (negative or positive impact)
Nature of Impact (Direct vs Indirect impact)
Mitigation Measures to be Considered
6 Importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative or technical achievement at a particular period (Scientific significance)
3A High The Struben Stamp Mill and the associated engine show demonstrate technological advancement in the early mining of gold in the Witwatersrand and South Africa in the 1800s. It is a sign of scientific and engineering achievement.
Negative Impacts:
The proposed development will not a negative impact on the cultural heritage fabric of Struben Stamp Mill and the associated engine
Nature of Negative Impacts:
No direct impact – negative impact will result from the proposed development
It is proposed that no development activities should come close to the Struben Mill Stamp and the associated engine.
An Integrated Conservation Management Plan (ICMP) should be developed and it should integrate these resources and spell out their short (associated with construction phase of the proposed development), medium and long term conservation strategy.
Positive Impacts:
These objective will be given more narrative in the proposed interpretation centre. This will assist people learn more about them, their manufacture, their journey to South Africa, people who assembled them and how they operated.
Nature of Negative Impacts:
Interpretation, awareness and better conservation of these heritage or historic objects.
7 Strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons (Social significance)
2 High The Struben brothers form part of what is known as the Randlords a group mining pioneers whose work and mining activities resulted to the development of towns such as Johannesburg, Florida, Krugersdorp etc.
Negative Impacts:
The proposed development
will not negatively impact
on the cultural heritage
fabric of the site and its
association with a particular
community or cultural
group
Nature of Negative Impacts:
No direct impact A professional heritage team will need to be involved
in the design and development of the interpretation
centre storyline to assist with content development
and its professional curation. This will guarantee
proper and professional interpretation and narration
of the associated group of people or cultural groups.
Positive Impacts:
The proposed interpretation
centre will further harness
the status of the Randlords
and contribute to
awareness about the
contribution the made in
the development of
Gauteng and the economy
in South Africa.
Nature of Negative Impacts:
Direct The indirect positive
impacts will result to
research, interpretation and
raising awareness of about
the Randlords and their role
and place in the making of
South Africa, its industrial
revolution and economy.
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No Criteria Used Site Grading Site Significance Rating
Definition of Site Significance Impact Significance from Activities (negative or positive impact)
Nature of Impact (Direct vs Indirect impact)
Mitigation Measures to be Considered
8 Strong or special association with the life and work of a person, group or organization of importance in the history of South Africa (Historic significance)
2 High The Struben brothers were not only involved with the discovery of gold in Confidence Reef Mine, they also played an integral role in the development of the South African Chamber of Mines now known as the Mineral Council of South Africa. For example, Harry Struben was one of the founding members of the Chamber of Mines – an institution tasked with the responsibility of promoting mining activities in South Africa. Therefore, the site is integral to understanding and shaping of South Africa’s mining heritage and economy. As a result of their mining endevours, in the north-west of Kloofendal Nature Reserve lime mining took place as a component in the chemical process for extraction of gold. The lime mines that indirectly resulted from gold lead to the discovery of many fossil sites in the in Sterkfontein, Swartkrans and Kromdraai in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Today South African boosts one of the largest fossil site in the world as a result of mining activities.
Negative Impacts:
No negative impacts will
result from the proposed
activities
Nature of Negative Impacts:
No direct impact – negative
impact will result from the
proposed development
Further research in proposed to determine areas
where the Struben brothers worked in Swartkrans
and Sterkfontein before their discovery of
Confidence Reef. If it is found that they worked
some of the fossil sites in the Cradle of Humankind –
this could boost the heritage significance and status
of Kloofendal Nature Reserve and allow I&APs to
nominate the site for national significance and
protection. Positive Impacts: The proposed development will result to more research and interpretation of the site. Linkages with other important sites in South Africa will be developed. This is the positive benefits to Kloofendal as its storyline can be linked to other important sites in the region stimulating more interest on the history of mining and mining heritage.
Nature of Negative Impacts:
Profiling of the importance
of mining and mining
heritage as a layer in the
South African heritage.
9 The significance of the site relating to the history of slavery in South Africa.
3E Low There is no direct association with history of slavery
Negative Impacts: N/A
Nature of Negative Impacts: N/A
N/A
Positive Impacts: N/A
Nature of Negative Impacts: N/A
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4.2. Historical Significance Rating
Significance criteria in terms of historical, artefactual and spatial significance.
As the criteria set out in the National Heritage Resources Act tend to approach heritage from the level of ‘national’ significance and few heritage sites and
features fall within this category, a second set of criteria are used to determine the regional and local significance of heritage sites. Three sub-categories are
used to determine this significance:
Historical significance – this category determines the social context in which a heritage site and resource need to be assessed. These criteria focus on
the history of the ‘place’ in terms of its significance in time and the role they played in a particular community (human context).
Architectural significance – The objective of this set of criteria is to assess the artefactual significance of the heritage resource, its physical condition
and meaning as an ‘object’.
Spatial significance – focuses on the physical context in which the object and place exists and how it contributed to the landscape, the region, the
precinct and neighbourhood.
As the criteria set out in the National Heritage Resources Act tend to approach heritage from the level of ‘national’ significance and few heritage sites and
features fall within this category, a second set of criteria are used to determine the regional and local significance of heritage sites. Three sub-categories are
used to determine this significance (Table 10):
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Table 10-Assessment of impacts on the history of the area
No Criteria Used Site Grading Significance Rating Definition of Site Significance Impact Significance from Proposed Activities (negative or positive impact)
Nature of Impact (Direct vs Indirect impact)
Mitigation Measures to be Considered
1 Is the site associated with a historical person or group?
Grade 2 High The site is associated with the Struben’s brothers who played an important role in the discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand and in the formation of the Chamber of Mines i.e. the Mineral Council of South Africa e.g. Harry Struben
Negative Impacts:
N/A
Nature of Negative Impacts:
N/A
N/A
Positive Impacts:
The proposed development will promote the history and heritage of mining
Nature of Positive Impacts:
Indirect impact as the result
of the proposed
development activities
2 Is the site associated with a historical event?
Grade 2 High Discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand in 1884 by the Struben brothers which culminated to more exploration of the Witwatersrand reef resulting to the 1886 discovery of the main reef by George Harrison
Negative Impacts: N/A
Nature of Negative Impacts: N/A
N/A
Positive Impacts:
The proposed development will
promote the history and
heritage of mining
Nature of Positive Impacts:
Indirect impact as the result
of the proposed
development activities
3 Is the sitassociated with a religious, economic, social, political or educational activity?
Grade 2 High Site is associated with the South Africa’s 19th Century industrial revolution brought about the discovery of mineral resources in the late 1800s. It is an important site in terms of the economic and industrial history of South Africa
Negative Impacts: N/A
Nature of Negative Impacts: N/A
N/A Positive Impacts: N/A
Nature of Positive Impacts: N/A
4 Is the site of archaeological significance? Are any of the buildings or built environment features on the site older than 60 years?
Grade 3C Medium/High The site is a good example of a historical and industrial archaeology site.
Negative Impacts: N/A
Nature of Negative Impacts: N/A
More archaeological research is proposed on site. A partnership with research institution or a museum will assist develop more archaeological database about the site
Positive Impacts:
Potential to stimulate interest in
historic and industrial
archaeology
Nature of Positive Impacts: Indirect
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4.3. Landscape Architectural Significance Rating (artefactual significance)
This section assesses the impact significance on the receiving environment landscape and associated landscape feature such as streets and streetscapes
(Table 11)
Table 11- Assessment of impact on the receiving environment landscape and landscape features such as streets and streetscapes
No Criteria Used Site Grading Significance Rating Definition of Site Significance Impact Significance from Proposed Activities (negative or positive impact)
Nature of Impact (Direct vs Indirect impact)
Mitigation Measures to be Considered
1 Is the street and streetscape an important example of a CoJMM or Roodepoort streetscape or precinct?
N/A N/A N/A Negative Impacts:
N/A
Nature of Negative Impacts:
N/A
N/A
Positive Impacts:
N/A
Nature of Positive Impacts:
N/A
2 Is the street or streetscape an outstanding example of a particular style or period?
N/A N/A N/A Negative Impacts: N/A
Nature of Negative Impacts: N/A
Positive Impacts:
Nature of Positive Impacts:
3 Does the street or streetscape contain fine landscaping details and reflect exceptional craftsmanship?
N/A N/A N/A Negative Impacts: N/A
Nature of Negative Impacts: N/A
N/A Positive Impacts: N/A
Nature of Positive Impacts: N/A
4 Is the street or streetscape an example of an exceptional industrial, engineering or technological development?
N/A N/A N/A Negative Impacts: N/A
Nature of Negative Impacts: N/A
N/A Positive Impacts:
Nature of Positive Impacts:
5 What is the state of the architectural and structural integrity of the street and streetscape?
N/A N/A N/A Negative Impacts: N/A
Nature of Negative Impacts: N/A
N/A Positive Impacts:
Nature of Positive Impacts:
6 Is the street or streetscape’s current and future use in sympathy with its original use (for which they were designed)?
N/A N/A N/A Negative Impacts: N/A
Nature of Negative Impacts: N/A
N/A Positive Impacts:
Nature of Positive Impacts:
7 Were the alterations to the street or streetscape done in sympathy with the original design?
N/A N/A N/A Negative Impacts: N/A
Nature of Negative Impacts: N/A
N/A Positive Impacts:
Nature of Positive Impacts:
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4.4. Spatial Significance Rating
In this selection of the impact assessment, the focus is not of heritage features such as buildings, monuments, memorials and other features as single units.
The assessment focus of the evaluation of significance in terms of spatial pattern in the landscape, city, town, village, neighbourhood or precinct which forms
part of the broader cultural landscape. The assessment is for the following features not as the single units in the landscape (Table 12):
Table 12- Assessment of spatial pattern of heritage resources in the landscape
No Criteria Used Site Grading Significance Rating
Definition of Site Significance Impact Significance from Proposed Activities (negative or positive impact)
Nature of Impact (Direct vs Indirect impact)
Mitigation Measures to be Considered
1 Can the site be considered a landmark in the local community, city and region (province)
Grade 2A High The site was declared a national monument in 1983, however lost its status with the promulgation of the NHRA, No. 25 of 1999 in 1999. It is a landmark for the local community and the province of Gauteng. It is associated with the Struben Stamp Mill and the associated engine. These two heritage objects have been given a CoJMM heritage blue plaque as this reduces their status to local significance in terms of the Act. The stonewall enclosure with a bottle dated to 1930s is presumable associated with the memorial and the mine in terms of spatial patterning of heritage features on site.
Negative Impacts:
N/A
Nature of Negative Impacts:
N/A It is proposed that a more detailed Phase
II HIA is required to map out all heritage
resources and site within the reserve and
map their spatial patterns in the
landscape as part of research efforts
aimed as strengthening the content about
the site and its curation in the proposed
interpretation centre.
Positive Impacts:
The proposed development will allow an opportunities to assess relationships between sites and determine the spatial patterns of such relation as part of research aimed at strengthening content and storyline for the interpretation centre
Nature of Positive Impacts:
This will be a positive
spinoff from the
project if properly
managed and executed
(indirect positive
benefit)
2 Does the street or any of the adjacent buildings contribute to the character of the neighbourhood?
Grade 3E Low The site is linked to the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site by virtue of association of lime activities in the Cradle and based on the fact that the two brothers once worked in Sterkfontein and Swartkrans. The road north of the site has been renamed Dr Robert Broom Street – this has created an indirect linkage between the site and the neighbouring Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site
Negative Impacts: N/A
Nature of Negative Impacts: N/A
More research is required as part of content
development and curation for the
interpretation centre
Positive Impacts: Provides an opportunity to assess linkages with other important sites in the region.
Nature of Positive Impacts: This will be a positive enhance the status and significance of Kloofendal Nature Reserve cultural heritage significance and its contribution to character of the neighbourhood both locally and provincially
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No Criteria Used Site Grading Significance Rating
Definition of Site Significance Impact Significance from Proposed Activities (negative or positive impact)
Nature of Impact (Direct vs Indirect impact)
Mitigation Measures to be Considered
3 Do any of the buildings, features and objects contribute to the character of the the landscape or streetscape?
N/A N/A N/A Negative Impacts: N/A
Nature of Negative Impacts: N/A
Positive Impacts: Provides an opportunity to assess linkages with other important sites in the region.
Nature of Positive Impacts: This will be a positive enhance the status and significance of Kloofendal Nature Reserve cultural heritage significance and its contribution to character of the neighbourhood both locally and provincially
4 Does the street relate to the urban network of adjacent streets and streetscapes?
N/A N/A N/A Negative Impacts: N/A
Nature of Negative Impacts: N/A
Positive Impacts: Provides an opportunity to assess linkages with other important sites in the region.
Nature of Positive Impacts: This will be a positive enhance the status and significance of Kloofendal Nature Reserve cultural heritage significance and its contribution to character of the neighbourhood both locally and provincially
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5. DISCUSSION
When assessed in terms of Section 3 (3) of the NHRA, No. 25 of 1999 - Kloofendal Nature Reserve (with
all its heritage resources) has proven to be a site of importance in the community, or pattern of South
Africa’s history. It is associated with the discovery of gold in 1884 which propelled further prospecting
in the Witwatersrand resulting to the 1886 discovery of the main reef in 1886 by George Harrison.
The gold rush brought about industrial revolution in the Witwatersrand in the late 1800 culminating
to establishment of cities like Johannesburg which worked as centres of trade and exchange of goods
and resources. The gold in the Witwatersrand also contributed to shaping of South African economy
and influence political events such as the Second South African War (circa 1889 and 1902) commonly
known as the Anglo Boer War. Cultural heritage resources such as the Struben Stamp Mill provide a
rare example of the early mining technology in the Witwatersrand and South Africa in a good state of
preservation. This rare piece of South African mining heritage properly preserved and the Nature
Reserve provides for its better protection from potential vandalism. Furthermore, the Struben Stamp
Mill has one of Johannesburg Heritage blue plaques. The city prides itself in terms of protection of its
heritage resources and this gives a further assurance that these heritage objects on site are not under
any eminent danger of vandalism. However, based on the significance of the 1884 discovery of gold
and the fact that the site was once declared a National Heritage Site it is argued that indeed the site
and associated heritage objects and resources are befitting to be declared either a provincial or
national heritage site. The site also has a huge potential to contribute to historical and industrial
archaeological research in the region (Gauteng Province) and South Africa. There are few existing
industrial archaeological sites in the country and most of the mining heritage is continuously
desecrated. This further strengthens the significance of the site in the broader cultural landscape in
terms of its tangible and intangible heritage fabric. The site does not only showcase the technology
associated with the mining industry in South Africa but also acts as a torch to the under explored
economic and entrepreneurial legacy of South Africa and South African, particularly if one accesses
the events that the Struben brothers experienced i.e. a true entrepreneurial zeal of the Struben
brothers who can be classified as part of the Randlords. Their storyline tells us about their
perseverance and consistence in their quest for success.
The site, however, does not exhibits any particular aesthetic characteristics other than its significance
in terms mining and industrial heritage. It is its natural environment that offers a unique aesthetic feel
and provides a scenic space for the enjoyment and experience of biodiversity in Johannesburg
together with sites such as Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve and Melville Koppies amongst others.
The Struben Stamp Mill and the associated engine undoubtedly demonstrate technical achievement
in terms of mining and mining engineering legacy in South Africa in the 1880s. Although gold was
found in many parts of the world few mines had advanced technology such as the one found on site.
In terms of its association with a particular community or cultural group for social, economic, cultural
or spiritual reasons - the site has association with the Randlords, the Mineral Council which was called
Chamber of Mines; Harry Struben was one of the founding fathers of Chamber of Commerce. An
institution for that lobbies and promote exploration, mining investment and associated activities in
South Africa. This association makes the site not to be only unique to the historian, archaeologists or
heritage practitioners, but also to the Mineral Council of South Africa. From the historic records and
archives there is no evidence to suggest the site association with history of slavery (or migrant labour
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practice). There is, however, less research devoted to address of slavery in the early mining
exploration and activities in South Africa during the late 1800s with most literature focused on mining
and mining compounds post 1902.
It is argued that the proposed interpretation centre has a potential to contribute more towards
research and research development about the cultural heritage of the site, its association with other
sites in the region; for example, its links to the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site since the two
brothers first explored for gold in Sterkfontein and Swartkrans. Furthermore, the discovery of gold
propelled more mining activities targeted at extracting lime. Lime mining resulted to the discovery of
fossil material in the Cradle which in 1999 was declared a World Heritage Site. The site also has the
potential to incorporate and use both cultural and natural heritage as the base for development. –
With cultural and natural heritage elements incorporate as part of planning and design process for the
proposed interpretation centre of the; for example, as part of landscape design or the actual building
fabric and its dimensions.
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6. CONCLUSIONS
It is concluded that Kloofendal Nature Reserve is an important cultural and natural heritage
site if one assesses the site and its associated resources in totality in terms of Section 3(3) of
the NHRA, No. 25 of 1999. The site meets approximately 95% of all elements that contributes
to significance of a place or site or cultural landscape. The only element not met is its aesthetic
appeal from a cultural heritage perspective, but from a natural environment the reserve
provides a scenic natural landscape feature.
In terms of the impact of the proposed development on both cultural landscape and natural
heritage, it is concluded that the proposed development will not negative impact on these
resources due to the fact it is planned in an area that is devoid of important heritage resources
(between the primary gate and the gate leading to the reserve and the associated
infrastructure).
The proposed development activities have the potential to enhance both the cultural heritage
and biodiversity of Kloofendal Nature Reserve. This is based on on the fact that for any
interpretation centre to thrive and become self sustainable it has to push for research and
research development as one of its key objectives of thrust. The interpretation centre will
also contribute raising awareness about the history and heritage of the study area, its
associated industrial and natural heritage as well as its role and place in shaping modern day
South African legacy. For example, the discovery of gold in 1884 that propelled further
exploration activities of the Witwatersrand, consequently resulting to the discovery of the
main reef in 1886 by George Harrison on Farm Langlaagte. These activities or events resulted
1st industrial revolution in South Africa and the establishment of cities such as Johannesburg
which later became an economic hub of Africa.
Based on the impact assessment undertaken as part of the study, the amount of positive
impacts associated with the project far exceed the amount of negative impacts. Therefore,
the project will yield best conservation results as a result of the proposed development which
has a potential to stimulate research and part of content development and curation for the
exhibitions and instillations at the proposed interpretation centre. The interpretation also has
the potential to increase awareness about both cultural and natural heritage of the site. The
benefits associated with this also include increase in visitor’s number and generation of
revenue from tourist, revenue which could be channelled back to conservation efforts at the
reserve.
The survey yield Middle Stone Age, industrial/historic archaeological resources - no burial
grounds and graves were identified during the survey. However, their existence is not
completely ruled out since graves (unmarked graves) and other archaeological resources such
as artefacts tend to be subterranean in nature and can only be exposed and brought to the
surface through excavation activities associated with developmental activities.
In terms of SAHRA Paleontological Sensitivity Layer, the project area is located in a low
Sensitivity Area – therefore there is no need to conduct a Palaeontological Impact Assessment
(PIA) or dolomic study as part of the study.
It is concluded that when one accesses the heritage significance of the site and the role that
it played in shaping the history of South Africa, the site is significant enough to be re-
nominated and declared either as a provincial or national heritage site in terms of the new
Act. The national significance will be a Grade higher than its current status of provincial
significance (by default) or local significance if we translate the Johannesburg Heritage Blue
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Plaque as been an indication of the current grading of the site. The national or provincial
significance will be befitting due to the site significance in the pattern of life of South Africa
mining heritage legacy which played a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s modern economy.
Furthermore, due to it being a site associated with the group of persons whose activities may
have directly and indirectly resulted in the discovery of fossil sites in Sterkfontein and
Swartkrans which form part of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and the
establishment of the South African Chamber of Mines i.e. the Mineral Council. There is strong
evidence that suggest that mining in the Witwatersrand contributed to exploration of lime
which form part of the chemical components used to extract gold – thus the linkages created
between the site and the Cradle of Humankind and the fact that the two brothers are known
to have explored Sterkfontein and Swartkrans. However, such linkages will still need to be
explored and investigated in detail. There is strong evidence that suggest that mining in the
Witwatersrand contributed to exploration of lime which form part of the chemical
components used to extract gold – thus the linkages created between the site and the Cradle
of Humankind and the fact that the two brothers are known to have explored Sterkfontein
and Swartkrans. However, such linkages will still need to be explored and investigated in
detail.
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7. RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that, with the approval of the current BAR and EMPr, a Phase II HIA study
should be conducted on site which should include amongst other research objectives:
o Detailed archaeological investigation of the material cultural in and around the
stonewall enclosure and the mining area. This investigation will assist in terms of
identifying the material culture found on site, its association and dating of the site in
terms of different occupation and the activities that took place on site. A scatter of
glass stoneware and china already provides glimpse of the people that explored the
site. Furthermore, we know that the people who occupied and worked the site in the
1940s consumed beer based on the South African Breweries beer bottle dated to 1945
which shows that the site was definitely occupied during the 1940s.
o Investigation of spatial patterns between sites, material culture and objects is
required on site.
o It is also recommended that further research is required to investigate and determine
the types of linkages between the site and the Cradle. This will increase the the
cultural heritage significance of Kloofendal.
It is recommended that the design team (architectural, landscape and engineering) on the
project should explore ways to incorporate heritage in their designs and use it as a base for
the design process. Elements of heritage should be incorporate in the building fabric and the
landscape.
There is some level of confusion on the status of the site, is it a provincial heritage site or a
local heritage site – this is based on memorial plaques found on site; the National Monument
Council and the City of Johannesburg Heritage Blue Plaque. Joburg City Parks together with
I&APs should determine what heritage grade or status they want to achieve on site. Should it
be provincial or national, then a nomination dossier for the regarding and declaration of the
site should be developed and submitted to the relevant authority for consideration.
As part of the current development, future development or re-nomination and grading of the
site; a detailed integrated conservation management plant (ICMP) is proposed for the
Kloofendal Nature Reserve and all its heritage resources. The ICMP will work as a guideline
for the protection, conservation and promotion of cultural and natural heritage resources in
the reserve. As part of the ICMP, detailed Heritage Public Participation (H-PP) should be
undertaken as part of the exercise to get inputs from interested and affected parties (I&APs)
such as the City of Johannesburg Department of Arts and Culture: Directorate Immovable
Heritage whose blue plaque is found at the Struben Mill Stamp, the Gauteng Department of
Arts and Culture and Friends of Kloofendal Nature Reserve.
In terms of the current development, heritage resources will not be negatively impacted. The
proposed project is more likely to enhance the heritage and conservation and promote
conservation than to destroy. It is therefore recommended that both the SAHRA and the
PHRA-G grant the project a Positive Review Comment and allow the proposed project to
proceed as planned as it will positively enhance the sense of the place and its heritage fabric.
It is our strongest belief that Joburg City Parks should source funding either through fund
raising (e.g. approach the Mineral Council or through events or programme on site) and,
redesign and reconstruct the Struben memorial that once stood tall on site as part of the
development programme. The memorial could be constructed in the area with the National
Monuments Council Plaques. This will further enhance the heritage status and fabric of the
The HIA was developed by NGT Infraco on behalf of Ikamva for Joburg City parks – Kloofendal Nature Reserve
60
site. It is our strongest belief that Joburg City Parks should source funding either through fund
raising (e.g. approach the Mineral Council or through events or programme on site) and,
redesign and reconstruct the Struben memorial that once stood tall on site as part of the
development programme. The memorial could be constructed in the area with the National
Monuments Council Plaques. This will further enhance the heritage status and fabric of the
site.
The HIA was developed by NGT Infraco on behalf of Ikamva for Joburg City parks – Kloofendal Nature Reserve
61
8. REFERENCES
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Sutton, M., 2012. The Archaeology of Swartkrans cave, Gauteng, South Africa: New
Excavations of Members 1 and 4. Unpublished PhD Dissertation: University of Witwatersrand.
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University of Cape Town Libraries Digital Collections. 2019. Municipal Council of
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Wadley. L. 2007. The Middle Stone Age and Later Stone Age. In Bonner, P. & Esterhuysen, A.
& Jenkins, T. A Search for Origins: Science, History and South Africa’s ‘Cradle of Humankind’.
Johannesburg: Wits University Press. Pg 122 -135.
Wessels, A. 2010. The Anglo-Boer War 1889-1902: White Man's War, Black Man's War,
Traumatic War. Bloemfontein: African Sun Media
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Websites: https://www.miningweekly.com/article/reflecting-on-the-long-destroyed-struben-
monument-2016-04-01
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Struben
https://archive.org/details/recollectionsofa00strurich/page/24/mode/2up
https://www.capetownmagazine.com/shimansky-history-diamonds
https://www.maropeng.co.za/content/page/mining-and-the-discovery-of-the-sterkfontein-
caves